AVBOB the “Cashback Funeral Insurance” has moved to assist flood-hit KwaZulu-Natal, where at least 306 people have lost their lives, by donating millions of rand and offering free funerals.
The unprecedented environmental catastrophe destroyed houses, washed away bridges, and left huge sinkholes that rendered the roads impassable.
Responding to the tragedy, AVBOB Mutual Assurance Society said it has “set aside R7 million for immediate assistance” to communities in KwaZulu-Natal affected by the floods.
The organisation said it believes that Ubuntu remains the cornerstone that ties together South Africans through the profound sense that “we are human only through the humanity of others.”
AVBOB said its donation was aimed at assisting affected individuals and will be distributed in partnership with Gift of the Givers, Rise Against Hunger, and the SPCA.
“The collective support will amongst others entail blankets, clothes, and food,” AVBOB said on Thursday.
Additionally, AVBOB said it “will provide free funerals to a maximum of R20 000 per deceased, to assist families to bury their loved ones lost through the devastation”.
For assistance with a free funeral, affected residents in KwaZulu-Natal should contact their nearest AVBOB funeral branch in the province.
AVBOB CEO, Carl van der Riet said: “We have a vision of sustainable communities, and we are determined to play our role in fulfilling that vision.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, AVBOB believes it is critical that we provide assistance to the communities in the province as they rebuild their lives after the devastating floods.”
Meanwhile, the SA Weather Service has warned more rains are expected over the weekend.
